Notorious vs Renowned
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Notorious | Renowned | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Famous for something bad | Well-known and respected. |
| Register | - | formal |
| CEFR level | C1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Usage notes | Use 'notorious' when referring to someone or something widely known for a negative reason. Avoid in positive contexts. | Use 'renowned' in formal contexts to describe someone or something that is famous and respected. It's not appropriate for casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Notorious vs Renowned
What's the difference between "Notorious" and "Renowned"?
"Notorious" means: Famous for something bad "Renowned" means: Well-known and respected.
When should I use "Notorious" and "Renowned"?
"Renowned" is formal.
Are "Notorious" and "Renowned" the same CEFR level?
"Notorious" is at C1, "Renowned" is at C1 on the CEFR scale.